I a recieving many posts on what WE can do against the bombardment of pet retail with these early alter animals. First of all -- at this point : 1- writing letters to local chain and pet shops asking them PLEASE NOT to STOCK the new early altered Peter's Rabbits would be nice! If you are associated with any bunny rescues they can give you reasons ie: bunny skin is very fragile- spay complications are higher with female bunnies than with cats etc. 2- LETTERS TO THE EDITORS in all local newspapers-- Remind folks that animals are not and should not be used as gifts - Easter is soon approaching- both ferrets & rabbits are traditional small animal gifts! Remind the readers that a wise choice is bringing home pets consciously adopted through animal shelters- on Holidays or any day! 3- PET SHOP INTERVENTION -You can try to dissuade shoppers - tactfully, at pet shops by offering advice and your experiences with the early alter ferrets-- how many shoppers will be excited to hear the costs of adrenal & insulinoma surgeries a few years down the road? You may not last long but intervention at any costs is worth a try! 4- START NOW - to amass support in your local state for abolishment of early age of sale -- get a minimal an 8 week law - dewtermined by canine eruption! on the way-- UNLESS we get intervention from USDA -- it is up to us to start the process- let local legislators know early alter pets ( ie ferrets & rabbits) are unwise in consumer protection - as they generate high veterinary expense and poor health to the animal. We have managed to get 8 weeks age of sale in 2 states nationally-- lets go for more-- then more states that enact the regulations will demonstrate to USDA there IS A NEED! THE MAIN PROBLEM IS If one company starts this tasteless marketing ( AND IT HAS) the problem is more competitors will follow -- none of them want to lose any profits.... History has shown this to be the case with ferrets -- I can barely remember when ferrets were sold at 12 weeks of age with a 10 week neuter--- then it was common for ferrets to live to 9 1/2 years.... not so now. For the rabbit folks -- I am not a bunny expert- I cannot state what is a safe age for early neuter / spay of a rabbit - or for age of sale????? perhaps there is a bunny expert or vet on list that can enlighten us all!???? WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER SO- lets step up and take efforts for THE ANIMALS! Alicia D [Posted in FML issue 4451]